as in joining
to become a friend to (someone)
He befriended the new student.
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Recent Examples of befriending
In the latter, Ladd played Flo, a candid and cutting waitress who shows her softer side while befriending Ellen Brustyn’s Alice.
—
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
In the August 13 episode, the two were discussing with Kelce’s brother and co-host Jason Kelce, how Travis had a goal in life of rescuing and befriending a sea otter.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
But the blind man ends up befriending the creature, having no sense of its frightening demeanor.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Zrnčević, Bugatti Rimac’s chief test and development driver, has spent 11 years with the company after befriending CEO Mate Rimac during his stint as an automotive journalist (his mechanical engineering degree didn’t hurt).
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
In the August 13 episode, the two were discussing with Kelce’s brother and co-host Jason Kelce, how Travis had a goal in life of rescuing and befriending a sea otter.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
But the blind man ends up befriending the creature, having no sense of its frightening demeanor.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Zrnčević, Bugatti Rimac’s chief test and development driver, has spent 11 years with the company after befriending CEO Mate Rimac during his stint as an automotive journalist (his mechanical engineering degree didn’t hurt).
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriending
Verb
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Even as federal funding resumes, local colleges, businesses and nonprofits are joining county agencies in maintaining relief efforts for as long as Sacramento-area residents need them.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
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Also joining Williams were two directors involved in foreign trade operations for Hillwood, Joshua Griffith and JR Holcomb.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Heat also again faces the Cavaliers in back-to-back games later this season, traveling to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers on March 25 and 27.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Nov. 2025
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Atkins died three days after the fatal collision, which occurred after Owen-Cooper had been traveling around 53 mph on a road with a 20 mph speed limit.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Friedrichsen, a Wake Forest transfer, was among the trio of Wildcats in double figures, connecting on three triples and dealing a team-high three assists in the win.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
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Foraging for black walnuts is a long-standing tradition in the Ozarks, providing extra cash for harvesters and connecting people with the outdoors.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befriending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriending. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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